Adhesion
Hi folks,
So one of the problems I still face on my library's Prusa is that of things not properly sticking to the build surface. I give it a good wash and dry before building but stuff still seems to come loose mid build so I was curious about the efficacy of this stuff when I saw it on the Prusa website. Anyone had any success with this or something similar?
https://shop.prusa3d.com/en/i3-accessories-mk3s-mk25s-etc/51-printbed-glue.html
RE: Adhesion
What build surface and what material are you printing?
My glue stick is still untouched from when I got my printer. I feel no need for it with PLA or PETG.
And I hate to think of glue stick residue on a public access printer like a library...
RE: Adhesion
I'm using a textured sheet, which I hand wash prior to builds. I did 2 print jobs today and both of them ended up coming unstuck from the build surface during the builds.
RE: Adhesion
You still did not mention the material. And give us a little more information about your washing technique.
If you are using PLA, for the library I highly recommend the Smooth PEI sheet.
For specific suggestions, post your STL file (at least one of them), and maybe we have some ideas.
Glue stick on a textured sheet just rubs me the wrong way...
RE: Adhesion
@robert-rmm200
Oh, sorry. I missed that part of your message. Yes, PLA. For instance I did these today...I tried to make 3 so six pieces each(back and front) but they all got shaken loose during the build except for the first set which stayed in place but got stuck to one of the ones that got shaken loose. Fun times. 😉
As for the washing, nothing special. Dish soap. Hot water. Dry with paper towels and finish on the heated bed.
https://www.myminifactory.com/object/3d-print-continental-gold-coin-john-wick-94087
RE: Adhesion
@nmccavitt-fpl
If you are trying to print those coins, you really want the smooth sheet. Gluing the textured surfaces together may be more difficult than keeping your print on the bed.
But try to lower your Z a bit more. Squish is your friend.
Possibly a touch of sandpaper.
RE: Adhesion
Also tell us what specific PLA and what bed temperature you are using. Raising the bed 10 degrees might help. Hotter == more sticky.
Use a brim even though you have plenty of surface area. They really help adhesion - they stay hot.
Maybe print one half coin at a time until you get it down. Losing a full plate because one breaks loose is awful...
Smooth plate is a lot better for gluing the halves together... Textured is a great finish - for exteriors.
RE: Adhesion
And washing the textured PEI sheet in water is probably not a good idea; the texture allows water to reach the steel and it will rust and fail (according to Prusa).
You might want to convince the library to invest in a smooth PEI sheet if PLA is the material of choice: the textured sheets seem to be causing owners serious headaches and many say PLA simply will not reliably stick to it.
RE: Adhesion
Prusa is a great starting point for advice.
I will say - my textured plate was - this - close to being dumped in the rubbish bin before I washed it with Dawn and copious amounts of water.
Danger of rust is secondary when the plate is unusable. Just dry it on the hot bed, and the water becomes a non-issue.
RE: Adhesion
I agree soap and water on a textured sheet is required to remove manufacturing residuals; but it isn't something I'd do every day.
RE: Adhesion
I do agree. The only time I give it a bath now is if I lose adhesion after an IPA scrub.
Every few weeks seems to work for me - and adhesion does get better with use. The surface wears in or something.